Helen Overnes from the Oliver Women’s Institute continues her unwavering dedication to women’s issues;. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
The Associated Country Women of the World Triennium Conference will be held at Warwick University, England on August 17.
It came about because women in the cities felt they should have a voice in health care, education, housing, etc., and it started the International Council of Women (ICW).
In Canada several prominent women from the Women’s Institute joined to raise awareness of the needs of women and families.
Lady Aberdeen was a countrywoman with four children. She became the first ICW president.
Madge Watt belonged to the Women’s Institute in Metchosen, BC. She was a capable speaker who was able to help them grasp the idea of a world organization for countrywomen.
Queen Mary started a women’s institute at Sandringham. She and Lady Aberdeen were great friends.
Miss Elsie Zimmern was secretary of ICW, who was a child welfare specialist.
Twenty four countries came together at the International Conference for Rural Women at the Montefiore Hall in London for four days sharing their lives, difficulties, hardships and dreams. Countrywomen were being taken for granted like the rain and sun and had no opportunity to let their needs be known and have a voice in decision-making.
They all realized that they were facing the same problems.
HELEN OVERNES
Special to the Chronicle
